Most people imagine making friends abroad means being super confident or super organised. In real life, it's usually much simpler: a chat in a queue, a shared joke at the bar, or a "What are you doing tomorrow?" over coffee. Travel naturally creates connections because you're already in the same place, doing the same things, with an easy shared topic: the trip itself.

Sometimes, making those connections comes down to adopting a bit of a go-getter travel mindset — being open to saying yes to new experiences, joining a group activity, or striking up a conversation with someone you've just met. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room; being willing to take the first step is often enough to turn a passing encounter into a memorable travel friendship.

Even confident people feel awkward starting conversations in a new place. Try this simple decision rule: if someone is unhurried, sitting, waiting, browsing or ordering, they're more open to a chat than someone walking fast or on the phone.

1. Low-pressure opener: "First time in town? What's been your favourite thing so far?"
2. Easy follow-up: "Any good spots near here for a quick bite?"
3. Graceful exit: "Nice one! Enjoy your day!"

The confidence to explore often starts with where you stay. When your base is straightforward and well-located, it's easier to say yes to plans, try a new area, or head out for a late event knowing you've got a comfortable place to return to. Across the ibis family, you can find reliable essentials, a good night's sleep and a 24/7 welcome, plus social spaces where a quick hello feels natural.

Great connections start in places that bring people together. Choosing a well-connected base helps you join walking tours, language exchanges, sports matches, concerts and last-minute meet-ups without spending your day commuting. With ibis locations close to public transport, venues and city centres, it's easier to turn "Maybe" plans into "See you in 20 minutes" plans.

You don't need a hostel dorm to meet people. Socialising in hotel bars and lobbies while travelling works just as well when the space is open and casual. The lobby is for quick chats, the bar is for longer ones, and breakfast is for repeat encounters. That rhythm gives you multiple chances to see the same people without forcing it.

Ask staff for ideas that create natural social contact: local markets, free tours, neighbourhood events, live music nights, or a sports bar screening a match. You'll get options that fit the area and your timings, not the viral spot from social media that turns out to be fourty minutes and two metro changes away. For a quick confidence boost on day one, use this guide to navigating a new destination.

You don't need to "go find friends" like it's a task; you just need to show up, linger a little, and open the door to a conversation.

Arrival is your first easy contact point. Everyone's doing the same thing: getting their bearings and figuring out what to do first.

1. At reception: ask for one local tip you can do today (market, viewpoint, street food area).
2. In the lobby: "Have you just arrived too, or have you been here a few days?"
3. In the lift: "Any must-dos if I've only got two days?"

If you're shy, use an if/then script: if someone gives you a tip, then ask one follow-up: "Is it better in the daytime or evening?"

Evenings are peak time for casual interaction: people are back from sightseeing and deciding what's next. Try conversation starters that fit the moment — "What are you having?" or "Any local drink I should try?" works well at the bar. Travelling for a festival or concert? Ask the simplest question in the room: "Are you here for the show?" - it's instant shared context.

Breakfast is calm, repeatable, and perfect for low-effort social contact. People are usually less rushed, and you'll often see the same faces the next morning. If you want a simple routine that makes meeting people feel natural, start with hotel breakfast and one easy question.

1. Easy opener: "Any plans for today?"
2. Useful follow-up: "I'm thinking of a walking tour, have you tried one here?"
3. Low-pressure invite: "I'm heading out to see X later if you fancy joining."

Some of the best connections are tiny and unplanned — a friendly comment on public transport, a shared laugh in a museum queue, or a "Do you know if this is the right line?" can turn into a coffee plan. Making friends on public transport and day trips works best when you keep it situational and short. This is also one of the easiest ways to connect without using social media: no profiles, no messaging — just real-world conversation.

The best destinations share three things: walkable neighbourhoods, plenty of low-cost activities, and a steady flow of travellers. Cities with strong public transport and a busy events calendar make it easy to join group activities without overplanning. Luckily, ibis has hotels in destinations that bring all of this together. From walkable city centres to social neighbourhoods packed with things to do, these cities are ideal for solo travellers looking to make connections along the way:

1. Mexico City: vibrant neighbourhoods, affordable street food, free walking tours, and lively plazas where travellers and locals naturally mix.
2. Tokyo: reliable public transport, walkable districts, late-night dining, and countless group-friendly experiences from food tours to cultural workshops.
3. Dubai: year-round events, diverse international communities, organised excursions, and neighbourhoods connected by an extensive transport network.
4. Sydney: coastal walks, outdoor activities, harbour ferries, and a relaxed social atmosphere that encourages spontaneous connections.
5. Barcelona: beach afternoons, late dinners, group tours, and outdoor social life.

6. Marrakech: colourful markets, rooftop cafés, historic neighbourhoods, and lively public squares where travellers naturally cross paths.

If you prefer smaller cities, look for university towns and places with big seasonal events — you'll often find existing travel communities without being overwhelmed.

The safest ways to make friends while travelling solo are simple: meet in public, keep your plans clear, and stay in control of your journey home. Use this checklist whether you're meeting someone from an app, a tour, the bar, or a festival crowd.

1. Pick a public meeting point (busy café or museum entrance) for the first meeting.
2. Share your location and plans with a friend or family member: who, where, and when you'll check in.
3. Keep it time-boxed: "I've got 45 minutes, then I'm heading out."
4. Control your transport: know how you're getting back before you go.

People often search for apps and forums to meet fellow travellers because they want a quick way to meet someone nearby who is also open to hanging out. The safer approach is to focus on categories rather than one app or website.

1. Event listings: low risk — you're joining a public event.
2. Meet-up communities: good for group settings; look for clear organisers and consistent attendance.
3. Festivals, concerts and organised events: lower risk because you're meeting people in public spaces with structured activities and plenty of others around.

There isn't one magic tool for finding travel friends through an app. Use apps to discover group settings, then meet in real life with a clear plan.

1. Pay separately to avoid awkwardness and pressure.
2. Never leave drinks unattended, and don't accept open drinks from strangers.
3. Keep your phone charged with offline maps saved and a backup payment method.
4. Protect your room details: don't share your room number, and keep your key secure.

Most social moments are free — you're paying with attention, not cash. If you're thinking about how to connect in a more cost-friendly way, choose plans that are walkable, local, and community-led. They're often the same plans that help you meet people.

Pick one neighbourhood and return to it twice. Repetition is what turns strangers into familiar faces — the same café queue, the same park bench, the same street food stall.

1. Day 1: walk to a market, then a viewpoint, then a local museum or free gallery.
2. Day 2: repeat one stop and add a walking tour.
3. Social trick: ask hotel staff for "one local snack I should try" — it's easy, friendly, and specific.

Public transport is a social space in disguise. Trams, metros and trains create small shared moments: figuring out stops, comparing routes, or reacting to a view. Try a low-cost day trip to somewhere popular — a beach line, a lakeside train, a nearby historic town — and you'll meet other travellers doing exactly the same thing.

Look for local markets, open-air film nights, park runs, free concerts, community-led tours, and museum late openings. These spaces work well for couples and families too, because they're public, daytime-friendly, and easy to leave if your energy dips. Connection doesn't require spending more — it requires showing up where life is happening.

Travel friendships are built from small shared experiences: a chat at check-in, a laugh at the bar, a breakfast plan, or a post-event hangout. Not every connection has to become a lifelong friendship to count. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or discovering the magic of travelling with friends, the playbook stays the same: put yourself in shared spaces, choose one group activity a day, and keep safety simple and non-negotiable.

ibis can be a practical base for this style of travel, with welcoming shared areas for casual hellos, comfortable rooms to recharge, and locations that make it easy to reach tours, venues and neighbourhoods where connections happen naturally. The best travel friendships often start when you're simply open to the moment.

Want to discover what kind of traveller you are — and what makes meeting people easiest for you? Take our quiz.

Not always, but with a few strategies it's possible and stress free! Solo travel often encourages you to be more open to conversations and new experiences. Joining local tours, attending events, staying in social areas and simply striking up conversations can all lead to meaningful connections on the road.

Many ibis hotels are located in the heart of cities and close to major attractions, helping solo travellers spend less time commuting and more time exploring, attending events and meeting new people.

Having a comfortable, reliable place to return to at the end of the day can make it easier to step outside your comfort zone. With conveniently located hotels around the world, ibis gives travellers a dependable base from which to explore and connect with others.

Solo travel can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation. Research your destination, share your itinerary with someone you trust, keep your valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings. Choosing well-located, reputable accommodation can also help you feel more confident as you explore a new destination.

Making friends while travelling solo starts with choosing relaxed, public settings like walking tours, museum late openings, language exchanges or busy hotel lounges. Keep first meet-ups simple, know how you'll get back, share your plans with someone you trust, and if something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Keep your drink, phone and room details to yourself, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.